Google workers stage walkout against harassment and discrimination

Google employees around the world have staged a walkout in protest over reports of sexual harassment, gender inequality and racism at the company.

Hundreds of employees and contractors from Japan to the UK and US have walked out in protest after Andy Rubin, the creator of the Android mobile phone software, was given a $90m severance package, but the details of the reason for his departure – over a sexual misconduct allegation – were kept quiet.

Campaigners who organised the walkout have five demands: a commitment to end pay and opportunity inequity; an end to forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination; a sexual harassment transparency report which is available to the public; a clear, globally inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously; and the elevation of the Chief Diversity Officer to report directly to the board. The campaigners also want an employee representative on the board.